The fourth edition of this book updates and elaborates on the seven dimensions of maternal emotional health that have significant impact on delivery, postpartum adaptation, infant health, and early childhood development. Supported by the authors' original research and interviews, the book provides readers with an analysis of the role of these core functions throughout pregnancy, as well as practical materials for use with pregnant clients in the form of assessment instruments and evidence-based interventions for promoting positive development. The book provides a theoretical framework with rationales for the seven psychosocial dimensions, therapeutic and counseling intervention strategies to improve adaptive development in each of the seven psychosocial dimensions, findings specific to women in diverse cultural groups, a chapter devoted to women in the military and military spouses, and discussion of salient issues of pregnancy, including physical changes, body image, intimacy, trust,and ambivalence.

Chapter 1. Psychosocial Anxiety, Stress, and Adaptation in Pregnancy: Assessment of Seven Dimensions of Maternal Development.- Chapter 2. Acceptance of Pregnancy.- Chapter 3. Identification with a Motherhood Role.- Chapter 4. Relationship with Mother.- Chapter 5. Relationship with Husband or Partner.- Chapter 6. Preparation for Labor.- Chapter 7. Prenatal Fears of Pain, Helplessness, and Loss of Control in Labor.- Chapter 8. Prenatal Fears of Loss of Self-Esteem and Well-Being in Labor.- Chapter 9. Prenatal Adaptation in Military Women.- Chapter 10. Prenatal Adaptation Among Multigravidas.- Chapter 11. Methods of Assessment: Psychosocial Adaptation to Pregnancy Questionnaire Scales and Interview Schedules, and Review of Interventions to Enhance Adaptation.